Officials Break Ground for Palmer Park Makeover

Officials last week broke ground on construction of a unique nature and water play area in Coatesville’s Palmer Park.

Palmer Park is a one-acre neighborhood park on the east end of Coatesville. Its new play space, which was designed with input from the community, will replace a long-closed swimming pool with an innovative approach to promoting natural play and environmental stewardship.

The water and play area is made possible through the Greening Coatesville initiative; a partnership of the City of Coatesville, Brandywine Health Foundation, and Natural Lands. Major financial support has been provided through a $150,000 Building Better Communities Grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

“The reawakening and renewal of our city parks translate into regeneration of the lives of our families,” said Linda Lavender-Norris, Coatesville City Council president. “We will be forever grateful for the relationship that we’ve established with Natural Lands, the Brandywine Health Foundation, and supporters like the American Water Charitable Foundation for investing in our health and well-being.”

“Investing in our parks has long-term benefits for the community as a whole in building social cohesion, creating healthy environments, and increasing opportunities for Coatesville residents to be active,” said Vanessa Briggs, president/CEO of the Brandywine Health Foundation.

What’s more, positive changes in urban parks and green spaces play a role in economic revitalization. Cities where parks, recreation, and trails play a vital role in the lives of their residents are vibrant places to live and are, therefore, attractive to businesses and residents.